Since Monday, several people have contacted the Sun-News regarding planes, jets, helicopters or "blinking lights flying around in circles."

Las Cruces International Airport manager Cheryl Rodriguez said she has "fielded a lot of calls and emails" about the mysterious activity above the city.

Those unusual daily and nightly shows are part of a periodic military exercise, according to a spokesman from U.S. Special Operations Command.

Ken McGraw, a deputy public affairs officer, described the flights today as being part of a "fire support exercise," among USSOCOM, Army and Air Force aircraft, held at Fort Bliss and surrounding ranges.

A White Sands Missile Range spokeswoman said the exercises are being conducted throughout a large part of New Mexico.

In an email to the Sun-News, McGraw wrote, "there are a variety of fixed and rotary wing aircraft flying in support of the exercise," and noted that it takes place at day and night, but offered no other specifics.

McGraw said the exercise was scheduled to end Saturday. Rodriguez said a part of it was scheduled for noon to 2:30 p.m. today.

Last year, a white plane flew low over East Mesa neighborhoods, annoying some residents. It was initially thought to be scouting locations for cell phone towers for Verizon, but the company later denied that.

James Staley may be reached at 575-541-5476. Follow him on Twitter @auguststaley